Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

I’ve decided that’s what Gordon Korman writes, folks, and The Juvie Three is a perfect example of that. Remember the movie “The Dream Team”–Michael Keaton, Christopher Lloyd, and the fabulous Peter Boyle? Imagine that, only with kids from juvie in an outpatient/halfway program and their counselor/guardian/sort-of-parole-officer. Imagine that while the latter is in the hospital–first in a coma, then with amnesia–the former have to agree on a plan with the best chance of a decent outcome for their futures. Imagine a cranky old neighbor, a rich man’s daughter, a recording contract, and a broken bowling trophy, and what do you get? A vintage Korman story full of heartache, hope, and humor. Is it likely? Not even remotely. Does it have elements of truth that feel especially (and painfully) timely right now? Only EVERYWHERE. I’d highly recommend this one for junior high on up (note that it’s rightly shelved in YF, not JF, at least in my library system); it’s a ride and a half.